The 550DA is the largest Sundancer in the Sea Ray fleet. This yacht combines a two-stateroom, two head layout with an absoulutely cavernous saloon and very exciting performance.

Key Features

Key features include tremendous separation bewteen the two staterooms, a huge saloon, optional electrically raised swim platform, and an electrically actuated aft bench that slides forward and down to create a sunpad big enough for three adults. View from the helm is virtually unrestricted. The galley is sleek-looking and features an under counter refrigerator/freezer, three-burner cooktop, convection/microwave and good storage space. The master stateroom features a queen-size berth, entertainment system, cedar-lined closets, and private head. The forward VIP stateroom also has a queen-size berth, and private head. Contact Sea Ray Boats, Inc., 2600 Sea Ray Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37914, Phone (866) 244-0862, www.searay.com

Specifications

Sea Ray 550 Sundancer Specifications

Length Overall

57' 8''

Dry Weight

39,000 lbs.

Beam

15' 11''

Tested Weight

N/A

Draft

3' 10''

Fuel Cap

600 gal.

Deadrise/Transom

N/A

Water Cap

150 gal.

Max Headroom

6'8''

Bridge Clearance

N/A

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.

Sea Ray 550 Sundancer Photo Gallery

Sea Ray 550 Sundancer Captain's Report

The Sundancer line of express cruisers is the most popular in the world by far, and the new 550 continues the tradition by taking the two-stateroom, two-head layout almost to the extreme.

The cockpit on the 550DA is so big you can have two totally separate conversation groups going on, while everyone can join in for alfresco dining. There's no need to run down to the galley, either, as the wetbar comes complete with sink, icemaker, and fridge.

We especially liked the aft benchseat that slides forward and down at the push of a button to create a huge sunpad. And, the optional electric swim platform lowers to about 1 foot underwater so its an easy task to ride your PWC right into the chocks, then by using the waterproof handheld controller you can actually raise your PWC up out of the water, all before coming into the cockpit.

Typically, Sundancers are designed to hit a top speed of about 35 mph and generally provide a very stable but unexciting ride for cruising families. But not here. Powered by a pair of 800-hp MAN diesels, the 550DA carves exhilerating turns, and she gets up on plane in just 8 seconds! This is an amazing performance for a yacht of this size.

While we appreciated all the power in the MAN diesels and the fact they provide a cruising range of nearly 400 miles at best cruise, be advised that while engine access is easy through a hatch in the cockpit, the width of the MAN's make the engine room space seem somewhat cramped on the centerline. Against that, all fluid checks are easily reached and the hatch is positioned aft so you can check the status of your bilge in two seconds by simply looking down into the engine space.

Overall, we can see why Sea Ray kept the hull of the 540DA--performance--while at the same time incorporating a number of new features that its customers requested.

Sea Ray 550 Sundancer Test Result Highlights

Best cruise for the Sea Ray 550 Sundancer is 22.4 mph (36 kph), and the boat gets 0.73 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.31 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 392 miles (630.86 kilometers).

Sea Ray 550 Sundancer Warranty

Sea Ray 550 Sundancer Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.